Saudi sports minister congratulates Green Falcons on World Cup qualification

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal has congratulated the Green Falcons for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Kingdom will make their seventh appearance in next year’s tournament, which will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Prince Abdulaziz, who also heads the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, lauded the team and staff, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

“The wise leadership has provided every means to keep the Kingdom’s flag flying high at international sporting events, including the world’s greatest football tournament, the FIFA World Cup.”

He said preparations will now focus on ensuring a strong performance next year.

Saudi Arabia secured a place at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday with a goalless draw against Iraq in Jeddah, in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers.

The hard-fought point was enough to give the Green Falcons top spot in Group B and guarantee their appearance at the finals.

The Green Falcons played in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, with the team recording a historic group stage win against eventual champions Argentina.